May 1, 2006

Ex-professor gets over 4 years in Florida Jihad case

by ssavage

TAMPA, Florida (Reuters) - Former Florida University
professor Sami al-Arian was sentenced to four years and nine
months in prison on Monday, after which he will be deported for
helping the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad.

U.S. District Judge James Moody sentenced al-Arian to the
maximum 57 months in prison but gave him credit for 38 months
he has already served. He will serve the balance, 19 months,
before being deported.

Al-Arian, 48, was arrested in February, 2003 on charges he
gave money and support to the group, which has been designated
as a terrorist organization by the United States.